lucidojr 14 Report post Posted July 26, 2010 My husband and I are currently in the process of refinishing our cedar siding. We live in NW Pennsylvania. After reading many posts online, we have realized that the product that was originally used is not usually preferred by many professionals. We have used CWF cedar tone in the past...oops! Our home is 12 years old, and we have stained/sealed the siding twice. Luckilly, our cedar has held up fairly well. We do have minimal dark marks within the cedar that we have been able to remove with a bleach solution and pressure washer in the past. It looks as though many professionals recommend completely "stripping" the wood with a commercial grade or bleach solution. We are looking to do this ourselves and would be grateful for any suggestions/warnings to help see us through this process. Also, any recommendations on a decent, somewhat affordable stain/sealer? Thank you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted July 26, 2010 Bleach will not strip CWF from cedar. You need a sodium hydroxide based product ( not the kind in the box stores either) followed by a brightener/neutralizer (again, no box stores). We like Armstrong Clark on cedar as a sealer. Be careful with that siding, stripping a house is not a small task, and is hard enough for seasoned professionals. Good luck. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucidojr 14 Report post Posted July 26, 2010 Thank you for your insight. Also, I am fairly sure that you would not recommend just going over the CWF with a new product such as the Armstrong Clark, right? We had originally considered just applying a new coat of sealant, but were concerned about it not adhering properly. Thanks again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,279 Report post Posted July 26, 2010 If you go over the CWF with another product your likely outcome will be a nasty failure that you won't be able to deal with yourself, and will cost more to have removed than if you had just hired someone to strip it in the first place. Have seen it many, many, many times. You should seriously consider at least having a pro strip the house even if you seal it yourselves. It's a house. Not a deck. Good luck. Beth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucidojr 14 Report post Posted July 26, 2010 Thank you, again. You have given us great insight as to how to go about this project. Your time and knowledge are certainly appreciated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites